The reef boat journey can take from 45 minutes to 90 minutes dependant on your island destination and that will give you around two hours of snorkelling and scuba diving adventure Day trips usually leave Cairns or Port Douglas at about 8am and return to Cairns at 5:30pm
How far from Cairns is the Great Barrier Reef?
Welcome to the loveliest little drive in Queensland Short but oh-so-sweet, the Great Barrier Reef Drive covers just 140km in a straight line north from Cairns Some of Tropical North Queensland’s most famous spots are along the route, from World Heritage sites and national parks to luxury resorts
How do you get to the Great Barrier Reef?
Due to its size, it is possible to experience the reef via entry points as far north as Cairns and Cape York or Bundaberg in the south Whilst Australia is quite large (about the same size as continental USA), the Great Barrier Reef is a very accessible destination that can be reached by air, sea, rail, bus or road
Is it better to see the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns or Port Douglas?
There are a few east coast towns that off Great Barrier Reef trips, the most popular being Port Douglas or Cairns Although Cairns is a vibrant and cool city and many reef visitors base themselves here, I recommend Port Douglas over Cairns
Does it cost money to go to the Great Barrier Reef?
There are many tours which have the basics, taking you out to reefs where you have free time to do what you like Although basic, they certainly give you an enjoyable day You still get to see the iconic Great Barrier Reef on the cheaper side These can usually range in price, typically from 115 to 189 per person
What town is closest to the Great Barrier Reef?
Due to the attraction being in the middle of the ocean, all visitors must boat to the reef from one of the nearby coastal cities By far the closest, and easiest city to choose is Cairns, being the to-go place for Great Barrier Reef tours
Where is the best place to visit the Great Barrier Reef?
Queensland’s beloved tropical city Cairns is known for its sunny weather and exceptional natural wonders Cairns is the number one spot travellers base themselves when visiting the Great Barrier Reef, with hundreds of travellers setting off from the Marlin Marina every day
Can you see the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns?
Tropical Far North Queensland; specifically Cairns, Port Douglas and Mission Beach are the best places to see The Great Barrier Reef and base yourself to explore the coral reefs because it is the shortest boat ride in proximity to the coral reef than any other place on the east coast of Queensland Australia
How do I plan a trip to the Great Barrier Reef?
Pick a Port The majority of Great Barrier Reef visitors enter and exit tropical north Queensland via the city of Cairns Scuba Dive the Reef Keep Calm Around Coral Overnight Onboard Get to Know Native Wildlife Save Time for Snorkeling Take a Walk on Whitehaven Beach Mountain Bike the Bump Track
Is Great Barrier Reef worth visiting?
The Great Barrier Reef is undoubtedly one of the most unique and unbelievably beautiful destinations in the whole world! A visit to the reef is absolutely worth it and somewhere you cannot miss out on when travelling Australia
What is the best month to visit the Great Barrier Reef?
The best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef is from June to October This peak season offers some key advantages for travelers Temperatures hover in the low 60s to mid-80s, and rainfall is uncommon, which means clearer waters and better diving conditions
What is the best month to visit Cairns?
April to September is the best time to visit for the ideal balance of affordable accommodation, warm dry weather and thin crowds By popping in after summer, you’ll completely miss the Christmas crowds and the high humidity, while still being able to enjoy sunshine and warm days
How many days should you spend in Cairns?
Honestly, a lifetime is not enough to explore and enjoy all the amazing natural wonders of Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef But if you can’t spend your life on holiday, we recommend at least three days in Cairns to discover the main attractions If you have more time, great!
How much does it cost to go to Cairns from the Great Barrier Reef?
Price Price Great Barrier Reef Premium Snorkelling Tour $189 1 Day Great Barrier Reef Cruise Deluxe $205 Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Adventure $219 Cairns Tours Package $250
How many days do you need in the Great Barrier Reef?
How long should you stay: It’s recommended to spend at least 3 days exploring the reef Single day trips from Cairns or Port Douglas just won’t do this place justice
Can you swim the Great Barrier Reef?
A: It is safe to swim all year round in Cairns, Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef but it is highly recommended that you wear a lycra suit when entering the water in the warmer months of November-April The patrolled beaches are Holloways Beach, Yorkeys Knob, Trinity Beach, Palm Cove and Port Douglas
Where is the Great Barrier Reef in Australia located?
The reef is located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, in the Coral Sea The reef, which is large enough to be visible from space, is made up of nearly 3,000 individual reefs Much of the Great Barrier Reef is a marine protected area, managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority of Australia
What are 3 of the cities near the Great Barrier Reef?
The best way to access the Great Barrier Reef is by taking excursions out from one of the five major port cities along the Queensland coast adjacent to the reef The five major port cities are Port Douglas, Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, and Rockhampton
What are 3 of the islands near the Great Barrier Reef?
11 Great Barrier Reef islands you need to experience now Lady Musgrave Island Photo by Lady Musgrave Island Hamilton Island Photo by Hamilton Island Lady Elliot Island Photo by Lady Elliot Island Magnetic Island Photo by @bec_willox Pumpkin Island Fitzroy Island Bedarra Island Heron Island
Can you see the Great Barrier Reef without snorkeling?
There are plenty of ways to experience the World Heritage-listed wonder of the Great Barrier Reef without snorkelling, swimming, diving or so much as dipping a toe in Explore the 2600km of the Great Barrier Reef without swimming or a snorkel mask with this dry guide to the reef
What do tourists do at the Great Barrier Reef?
Among the most popular things to do are scuba diving and snorkeling along the shimmering coral reefs, sailing around idyllic tropical islands, fishing in designated zones, peering at the abundant marine life from a glass-bottomed boat, and soaring over this magnificent natural wonder on a scenic flight